AQW 46152/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 13/05/2026
Answered On Date: 08/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the name change from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic and Ovarian Syndrome, including whether his Department will take any steps to communicate this to both health professionals and patients.

Answer:

My Department’s approach is guided by the best available clinical evidence and by nationally recognised bodies, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), as well as wider UK clinical consensus. At present, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome remains the term used within published NICE guidance.

However, I am aware that NICE has recently consulted on and is expected to publish guidance later in the year, which will use the term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Once published, that guidance will be considered for its applicability to Northern Ireland.